The Kiss that Sparked it All

Madeline was pouting as Daisy’s personal stylist began to work on her face. She had done her research; the studio’s star was Talon. Despite her reservations about his too-cool-for-school attitude, whispers of his miraculous touch that could transform the plainest Jane into a head-turner had reached her ears.

She considered herself a knockout already, but the lure of outshining everyone else was irresistible.

Living in the shadow of Regina had been a constant irritation. Whenever that woman was around, Madeline felt invisible to everyone else. She was determined to be the only one men noticed tonight.

“Mom, can’t you just get Talon to do my makeup? I don’t want any old person touching my face!” she whined.

The stylist, about to apply foundation, couldn’t help but smirk at the request. As if they could just summon the boss on a whim. Did she think she was someone special? Imogen shot her daughter a stern look. “Hurry up and get done. We don’t have all day.” “But Mom, you said tonight’s event is super important. What’s the problem with wanting the best, Talon, to do my makeup? Don’t you want your daughter to be the belle of the ball?” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Madeline fluttered her eyelashes pleadingly.

Imogen hesitated, remembering the recent clash with Talon. It was a no-brainer; he wouldn’t agree to style her daughter now.

“Enough with the drama, Madeline. Daisy’s stylist is top-notch. That’s good enough.”

Madeline stamped her foot in frustration. “But Daisy’s old! I’m nineteen; it’s not the same!”

Imogen glared at her daughter’s insensitive remark. “Zip it. If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”

Then, turning to the stylist with a forced smile, Imogen said, “My daughter’s spoiled, I’m afraid. Please don’t take her words to heart.”

The stylist’s expression remained neutral. “Boss Talon hasn’t styled anyone in years. I’d let that dream go if I were you.”

Madeline scoffed. “You think I’m clueless? He’s doing Regina’s makeup, isn’t he?”

“Yes, Regina is the exception. Nobody else can get the boss to come out of retirement. You should probably just accept it, Ms. Tanner

“You’re just a stylist, a glorified servant, and you dare to mock me? Do you even know who untered such boldness in a long time.

This stylist had nerve.

Unfazed, the stylist replied, “Miss, the fact that I don’t know who you are, isn’t that the real tragedy? Besides, what does it matter to me who you are?”